A Strong Partner for Sustainable Development

Module
In
Engineering Utilities
ES113

College of Engineering
BSCE 3
 2

Module No. 3

Conveying System

1st Semester _SY 2021-2022_

Rochel A. Gabaldon
Instructor lll

WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

 3

Table of Contents

Cover _______________________________________________ 1

Title Page ____________________________________________ 2

Table of Contents ______________________________________ 3

Instruction to User _____________________________________ 4

Introduction _________________________________________ 5

Chapter l. ___________________________________________ 5

Overview _______________________________________ 5

Learning Outcomes ________________________________ 5

Time Allotment ___________________________________ 5

Pre-Test ________________________________________ 6

Discussion ______________________________________ 5

Evaluation/ Post Test ______________________________ 14

References __________________________________________ 15

Student’s Information Sheet ______________________________ 16

WPU Vision-Mission 2020 _______________________________ 17

WPU Core Values

WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

 4

INSTRUCTION TO THE USER

This module would provide you an educational experience while

independently accomplishing the task at your own pace or time. It aims as
well to ensure that learning is unhampered by health and other challenges. It
covers the topic about Engineering Utilities.

Reminders in using this module:

1. Keep this material neat and intact.

2. Answer the pretest first to measure what you know and what to be
learned about the topic discussed in this module.
3. Accomplish the activities and exercises as aids and reinforcement for
better understanding of the lessons.
4. Answer the post-test to evaluate your learning.
5. Do not take pictures in any parts of this module nor post it to social
media platforms.
6. Value this module for your own learning by heartily and honestly
answering and doing the exercises and activities. Time and effort were
spent in the preparation in order that learning will still continue amidst
this Covid-19 pandemic.
7. Observe health protocols: wear mask, sanitize and maintain physical
distancing.

Hi! I’m Blue Bee, your WPU Mascot.

Welcome to Western Philippines University!

Shape your dreams with quality learning experience.

STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY!

WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

 5

INTRODUCTION
The course focuses on the mechanical systems, fire protection systems,
sanitary/plumbing systems, and acoustics in buildings. Lecture discussions
include HVAC systems, acoustics, vertical transportation and fire protection.
Reducing operational loads and integrating high performance energy
systems into buildings offers solutions towards achieving a sustainable and
secure energy future. Engineers must understand the interrelationship between
a building and its subsystems, and need sufficient knowledge of building
systems and design alternatives to recommend appropriate solutions that suit
the site, climate, building type, and occupants. They must coordinate the work
of the engineering disciplines that carry the sustainability concept forward
through building design, construction, commissioning, operation and,
ultimately, demolition, recycling and reuse.

Chapter 1- Conveying Systems

Overview
Conveying systems are at the very heart of manufacturing and
industrialization. Henry Ford revolutionized manufacturing by developing the
assembly line, which consists of interchangeable parts moving along a conveyor
belt. Without conveyor belts and other conveying systems many of the
manufacturing and industrial processes we take for granted today would not be
possible. In this module we’ll discuss what conveying systems are, the major
types, and why they are so important.

Learning Outcomes
1. Identify, describe, distinguish between types of conveying systems that move
people and freight vertically and horizontally (escalators, elevators, ramps, lifts,
walkways)
2. Describe applications for building conveying systems that move people and
freight
3. Interpret conveying system design and detailing information.

Time Allotments
9 Hrs.

Pre-test
Instruction: Answer the following question below.
1. What is conveying system and why it is needed?
2. What are the different types of conveying/conveyor system?
3. Enumerate and discuss the main parts of conveying system.

Discussion
A conveying system is an automated system of conveying something
from one area to another. It utilizes mechanical energy, often via a system of

WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

 6

belts and pulleys, thereby avoiding the necessity of human or animal labor while
simultaneously achieving highly predictable, repeatable speeds and
performance levels. Conveying systems may be designed to transport solids or
liquids and may move massive materials, lightweight materials, or anything in
between. The speed and capacity of the conveying system can be adjusted
depending on the needs of the circumstance and the conveying system may
operate horizontally, vertically, or at an incline.
Naturally different types of conveying systems are better suited for
different applications. Three of the most common types of conveying systems
include the following:

Belt Conveyors – Belt conveyors, which are also often referred to simply as
conveyor belts, are perhaps the most commonly thought of and widely
recognizable conveying system. The typically operate across horizontal spaces;
however, they can also be designed to work on an incline. Belt conveyors utilize
a system of two or more pulleys to continually rotate a belt on an endless loop.
The item being moved is placed on one end of the belt and conveyed to the
other. Rotating the belt more quickly will of course increase the speed of the
system.

rotating, helical screw blade. As the blade turns it pushes materials forward.
Screw conveyors are especially useful for moving thick liquids, or small,
granular materials. For example, grain and aggregates are often conveyed using
screw conveyors. To prevent the liquid or small, granular substance from
spilling away, screw conveyors are usually encased in a tube. By turning the
screw blade more or less quickly the speed of transfer can be adjusted.

Bucket Elevators – Bucket elevators are a conveying system that utilize a series
of buckets attached to a belt and pulley system. As with belt conveyors, the
pulleys turn the belt in a continuous loop. However, the buckets are used to
contain liquids or other flowable substances. Bucket elevators are often used to
move fertilizer, dirt, or grain. As their name implies, they typically operate
vertically or at an incline, thereby elevating the material against gravity. They
also commonly utilize a discharge chute to empty the buckets once they reach
the top of the system. This process typically relies on centrifugal force to operate
properly and for that reason bucket elevators must often be rotated at relatively
fast speeds.

The major benefit of conveying systems is that they provide a very

efficient means of conveyance that is not dependent on human or animal
energy. They are also relatively low maintenance yet provide great returns on
efficiency and function very dependably. Finally, they are highly customizable
and can be designed to move just about anything and can operate in a wide
array of different conditions and settings. Conveying systems are thus found in
factories, plants, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities all over the world.
In addition to being staples of indoor facilities they are also extremely
useful outdoors in industries such as agriculture and construction.

Understanding Conveyor Systems

Conveyor Systems are mechanical devices or assemblies that transport
material with minimal effort. While there are many different kinds of conveyor

WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

 7

systems, they usually consist of a frame that supports either rollers, wheels, or
a belt, upon which materials move from one place to another. They may be
powered by a motor, by gravity, or manually. These material handling systems
come in many different varieties to suit the different products or materials that
need to be transported.

Important Conveyor Systems Specifications

Load Capacity per Unit Length

Manufacturers will offer this attribute in cases where the conveyor will
be built to a custom length to permit users to determine loading margins.

Maximum Load Capacity

Associated with Load Capacity per Unit Length, this value can be stated
for fixed length, purpose-built conveyors. This can also be known as flow rate.

Conveyor Belt System Speed/Rated Speed

Belt conveyors are typically rated in terms of belt speed in ft/min. while
powered roller conveyors described the linear velocity in similar units to a
package, carton, etc. moving over the powered rollers. Rated speed applies to
apron/slat conveyors and drag/chain/tow conveyors as well.

Throughput
Throughput measures the capacity of conveyors that handle powdered
materials and similar bulk products. It is often given as a volume per unit time,
for instance, as cubic feet per minute. This attribute applies to bucket,
pneumatic/vacuum, screw, vibrating, and walking beam conveyors.

Frame Configuration
Frame configuration refers to the shape of the conveyor frame. Frames
can be straight, curved, z-frames, or other shapes.

Drive Location
Drives can be located in different places on conveyor systems. A head or
end drive is found on the discharge side of the conveyor and is the most
common type. Center drives are not always at the actual center of the conveyor,
but somewhere along its length, and are mounted underneath the system.
They’re used for reversing the direction of a conveyor.

Types of Conveyors
Belt
Roller
Powered Roller
Slat/Apron
Ball Transfer
Magnetic
Bucket
Chute
Drag/Chain/Tow
Overhead

WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

 8

Pneumatic/Vacuum
Screw/Auger
Vertical
Vibrating
Walking Beam
Wheel
Belt
Belt Conveyors are material handling systems that use continuous belts
to convey products or material. The belt is extended in an endless loop between
two end-pulleys. Usually, one or both ends have a roll underneath. The
conveyor belting is supported by either a metal slider pan for light loads where
no friction would be applied to the belt to cause drag or on rollers. Power is
provided by motors that use either variable or constant speed reduction gears.
The belts themselves can be made from numerous materials, which
should correspond to the conditions under which the belt will be operating.
Common conveyor belting materials include rubber, plastic, leather, fabric, and
metal. Transporting a heavier load means a thicker and stronger construction
of conveyor belting material is required. Belt conveyors are typically powered
and can be operated at various speeds depending on the throughput required.
The conveyors can be operated horizontally or can be inclined as well. Belt
conveyors can be troughed for bulk or large materials.

Roller Conveyor Systems

Roller Conveyors use parallel rollers mounted in frames to convey
product either by gravity or manually. Key specifications include the roller
diameter and axle center dimensions. Roller conveyors are used primarily in
material handling applications such as on loading docks, for baggage handling,
or on assembly lines among many others. The rollers are not powered and use
gravity, if inclined, to move the product, or manually if mounted horizontally.
The conveyors can be straight or curved depending on the application and
available floor space.

Powered Roller
Powered Roller Conveyors use powered rollers mounted in frames to
convey products. Key specifications include the drive type, roller diameter and
material, and the axle center dimension. Powered roller conveyors are used
primarily in material handling applications that require the powered
conveyance of the product. Various drive types include belts, chains/sprockets,
and motorized rollers. Some of the uses of powered roller conveyors are food
handling, steelmaking and, packaging.

Slat Belt Conveyor/Apron

Apron/Slat Conveyors use slats or plates made of steel, wood, or other
materials typically mounted on roller chains to convey product. The slats are
not interlocked or overlapping. Apron/slat conveyors are used primarily in
material handling applications for moving large, heavy objects including crates,
drums, or pallets in heavy-industry settings such as foundries and steel mills.
The use of slats in heavy duty use cases prolongs the service life of the conveyor
over other conveyor types that employ belts, which would wear out quicker
under the exposure to heavy loads. These conveyor systems are usually powered
and come in many sizes and load capacities.

WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

 9

Ball Transfer Conveyor

Ball Transfer tables or conveyors use a series of mounted ball casters to
allow for unpowered, multi-directional conveyance of the product. Key
specifications include the ball material and size. Ball transfer conveyors are
used in material handling applications such as assembly lines and packaging
lines, among others. When positioned where multiple conveyor lines meet, they
are used to transfer products from one line to another and are often used in
sorting systems. Many sizes and load carrying capacities are available. Ball
transfer conveyors are not powered and rely on external forces to move the
product along the conveyor.

Magnetic
Magnetic Conveyors use moving magnets mounted beneath stationary
plates, tables, or other kinds of non-magnetic slider beds, to move magnetic
(ferrous) materials, often in the form of machining scrap. Magnetic conveyors
are commonly used as chip conveyors to remove ferrous chips from machining
centers. Systems can be configured to use horizontal motion, vertical motion,
or combinations. They can be beltless or may use a conveying belt instead of a
slider bed. Underneath the conveying belt, a rail containing an electromagnet
is used to attract ferrous materials to the belt. Because of the magnetic
attraction of the product to the conveyor, these systems can also be used upside
down.

Bucket
Bucket Conveyors or bucket elevators use multi-sided containers
attached to cables, belts, or chains to convey products or materials. The
containers remain upright along the system and are tipped to release material.
Bucket conveyors are used in applications such as parts, bulk material, or food
processing and handling. The conveyed material can be in liquid form or dry
such as sludge, sand, manure, sugar, and grain. The systems can be used
horizontally or can be inclined or vertical to change levels of the delivered
products. Many sizes and load carrying capacities are available depending on
the application.

Chute
Chute or Trough Conveyors are material handling systems that use
gravity to convey product along smooth surfaces from one level to another. Key
specifications include the chute material and the physical dimensions such as
length and chute width. Chute conveyors are used for scrap handling,
packaging, postal service package or mail handling, etc. Chutes are designed to
have a low coefficient of dynamic friction, allowing the product or material to
slide easily, and can be straight or curved depending on the needs of the
application.

Chain/Tow/Drag Line Conveyor

Drag/Chain/Tow Conveyors use mechanical devices attached to moving
members, usually chains or cables, to drag or tow products. Drag conveyors are
used for moving bulk materials in bins, flights, or other attachments and can
have multiple discharge or loading points. Tubular drag conveyors use a fully
enclosed system of chains to convey product in any direction. Chain conveyors
use a chain, or multiple chains to move pallets or other hard-to-convey

WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

 10

products. Tow conveyors use a towline such as cables or chains, usually in the
floor or just above it, to tow product directly or to tow wheeled carts or dollies.

Overhead
Overhead Conveyors are mounted from ceilings that use trolleys or
carriers moved by chains, cables, or similar connections. Overhead conveyors
are primarily used in material handling applications where the product needs
to be hung, such as dry-cleaning garment lines, paint lines, or parts handling
systems, or for cooling and curing. Various types of overhead conveyor systems
configurations are available including electric track, monorail, trolley, as well
as inclined or ramped. Depending on the application, the load-carrying capacity
may be critical. Most overhead conveyors systems are powered and controlled,
while others are hand-operated conveyor belts.

Pneumatic/Vacuum
Pneumatic/Vacuum Conveyors use air pressure or vacuum to transport
materials or items in or through closed tubes or ducts or along surfaces.
Pneumatic/vacuum conveyors are used primarily in materials handling
applications such as dust collection, paper handling, ticket delivery, etc. and in
processes such as chemical, mineral, scrap, and food. Materials for the
conveyors can be metallic or non-metallic depending on the media being
conveyed. Various sizes are available depending on the load and throughput
requirements.

Screw/Auger
Screw conveyors, sometimes known as spiral, worm, or auger conveyors
use helical elements to move materials. They consist of a helical screw element
or steel auger that rotates around a central shaft, driving the work material
according to the screw design and rotational direction. The helical screw
functions within a casing, trough or compartment to take full advantage of the
rotational force. Manufacturers use screw conveyors to transport materials
such as flakes, grains, powders, seeds, and granules. Alternatively, these devices
can be used to mix, agitate or blend such materials, or to maintain solutions.
They are used widely in agricultural applications, from use in farm machinery
like threshers and balers to factory-based grain and crop movers. A mini screw
conveyor can also transport wet, non-flowing and caking materials that might
otherwise be difficult to move, such as concrete. Other applications for screw
conveyors are the conveying of various mechanical parts or to function as a
bottling system conveyor. The screw can be of a paddle or ribbon design
depending on the application and can be driven via a chain and sprocket, gears,
or direct drive.

Types of screw conveyors include bottom conveyors and centerless screw

conveyors. Bottom conveyors use multiple screws in an open trough.
Centerless, or shaftless, screw conveyors do not contain a central shaft and
instead consist of an empty helix. This design still moves the substrate but
allows for more freedom within the casing. Materials can be metal or non-metal
depending on the media being conveyed.

Vertical

WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

 11

Vertical Conveyors move products vertically between levels of conveying

lines. Key specifications include the lift speed and maximum load height.
Vertical conveyors move material or product to higher levels within a facility.
They are further classified as continuous lifting or reciprocating. Various sizes
and load capabilities are available depending on the application.

Vibrating
Vibrating Conveyors use rotary or linear vibration to move material
along their system beds. Vibrating conveyors are used for moving dry, bulk
materials such as aggregate, gravel, coal, etc. The bed of the conveyor vibrates
to move the material along its length. The conveyor can be a trough, a tube, or
a flat table top. Many sizes are available depending on the application.

Walking Beam
Walking Beam Conveyors use a combination of static supports and
moving supports to index workpieces through manufacturing cells. Walking
beam conveyors are used on automation and assembly lines, where items need
to be placed in specific locations in a sequential manner. The item being
supported at a stationary position is picked up by the walking beam and indexed
to its next position, where another manufacturing step takes place. This
movement repeats over the length of the conveyor. Walking beam conveyors
can have single or multiple lines depending on the product.

Wheel Conveyor
Wheel Conveyors use unpowered wheels to move objects along their
lengths by gravity or manual power. Wheel conveyors are used for item or
package handling and are commonly employed for loading and unloading
trucks and moving packages, pallets, etc. through facilities or along assembly
lines. The conveyors are configured by the number of wheels and wheel spacing,
depending on the load requirements and the application.

Conveyor Systems Selection Considerations

When deciding on which conveyor system best suits your needs, a key
consideration is the material is being transported. Some important
characteristics to consider are size, flowability, abrasiveness, corrosiveness,
moisture content, and the temperature at which it must be kept. The
composition of the material, if powders, granules, pellets, fibers, or flakes are
being conveyed, should also be considered, along with the particle size, weight,
and density.
The function of the conveyor system itself may vary. The two main
categories of moving material through a process are conveying and feeding.
Conveying is the moving of materials from one or more pickup points to one or
more drop points. The desired window of time for this movement should be
considered, as well as the amount of pickup and drop points, the amount of
material being moved, and whether or not cross-contamination between
multiple materials is a concern.

Feeding is more time sensitive and requires more precise systems than
coveying. Material is usually moved from one pickup point to one drop point.
The product being moved may have to be delivered in batches, or at a
controlled, continuous rate.

WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

 12

An essential factor to consider before the selection of a conveyor system is the

environment in which it will be used. High humidity, temperature, vibration,
pressure, fragile or hazardous materials, and flammable products in the facility
should all be discussed with a conveyor manufacturer to determine any
potential risks and the countermeasures and workarounds needed. The size of
the system compared to how much room in the workspace is available should
be considered, along with how it will fit alongside existing equipment.

Conveyors systems are often relatively complex in their design and construction
owing to their large scales and integration into different factory processes. Still,
the modular nature of many conveyor components makes even long and
complex systems readily achievable. Manufacturers of such systems can offer
design assistance so that the conveyor suits the workspace.

Additional Conveyor Systems Selection Factors

Cleats, high friction belting, buckets, etc. are common forms of
preventing product slip. A heavily loaded inclined belt conveyor can slip
backward when the drive is off. Such conveyors employ backstopping brakes
that engage automatically with de-energization of their motors. Often, the brake
is releasable to allow the conveyor to reverse for unloading prior to servicing.
In some conveyors, a certain amount of slippage is desirable; those handling
glass bottles on packaging lines will often employ some form of back-pressure
relief to prevent breakage to the bottles as they accumulate in a staging area
such as a filler infeed.

A conveyor belt is susceptible to static electricity as the belt is continuously

pulled against the end pulleys. If electrical components are being conveyed,
static electricity can be hazardous. Anti-static conveyor belt measures such as
conductive belts or static control brushes should be considered to protect
products.

Other safety considerations must be exercised due to often long conveyor

lengths and their proximity to personnel. Live roller conveyors can be furnished
with pop-out rollers that disengage from their drive belts if a person’s hand or
foot slips between rollers. Crossovers can be used to permit people to pass over
long sections of belt conveyors. Roller style conveyors often use manual or
powered gate sections to accomplish this.

Conveyors often incorporate some type of soft starter or clutch mechanism to

avoid overloading motors when starting fully loaded belts, chains, etc. Some
belt conveyors are fitted with geared motor drives that incorporate internal
motors and gear drives within the head rollers which eliminate the need for
externally mounted motors and power transmission components.

While many conveyor systems are fixed and permanent, a great many are also
portable and designed for loading trucks, railcars, silos, etc. Outfeed and infeed
conveyors built specifically for packaging operations are often caster-mounted
for easy transport within a facility.

WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

 13

Conveyor Applications and Industries

Conveyor selection depends on product type, throughput or speed,
elevation change, and in some cases, industry focus. Belt conveyors, for
instance, come in a variety of sizes and can range from foot-long units used on
packaging lines to mile-long systems used for mining operations. Conveyors
can be hand powered—where products are moved along manually over rollers
or wheels—or engine/motor powered, or gravity powered. In general, though,
they are driven by AC and DC motors, either directly or through reduction
gears, chains, and sprockets, etc. Products generally ride on the top surfaces of
conveyors, though exceptions exist.

Overhead conveyors, as found at dry cleaners, slaughterhouses, or wherever

floor space is a concern, suspend their loads from trollies which ride along
overhead tracks. Other conveyors, such as screw and pneumatic types, convey
their products through semi-enclosed troughs or tubes. These conveyors often
handle dry products and powders. Some conveyors are designed to move
products precisely between manufacturing operations. Walking beam
conveyors are an example of this type. Other conveyors transport hard to
handle products, such as cosmetic bottles, through fillers, labelers, and other
processes by holding each container in individual pucks or pallets.

Conveyors are sometimes custom designed from modular components such as

straightaways, curves, transitions, merges, dividers, etc. Manufacturers of such
components often provide design expertise and installation assistance. Other
conveyors are stand-alone systems, complete with drives and controls. Manual
type roller and wheel conveyors can commonly be purchased in discrete
sections and bolted up to form material handling systems of nearly any length.
In general, powered conveyors employ head shafts and tail shafts where the
head end provides the drive arrangement, and the tail end provides for
adjustment of the chain or belt tension.

Conveyor Controls can be simple on/off varieties, slightly more sophisticated

soft-start types which cushion loads upon startup, or variable frequency drives
that can control the speed, acceleration, etc. of ac motors. Very long belt
conveyors transporting ore and other products often rely on conveyor belt idlers
to form troughs in the belts to better contain the conveyed materials.

Activity: Essay
With the advent of high technology conveying system; conveying goods is not
problem anymore such in manufacturing and construction even in mall or
super market. In your own understanding:
1. What is the effect of this in terms of human labor or economy?
2. What is the advantageous in the mentioned above?

Post-test
Instruction: Answer the following question below.
1. What are the different types of conveying/conveyor system?
2. Enumerate and discuss the main parts of conveying system.
3. Why we need conveying system in:

WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

 14

a. manufacturing;
b. construction; and
c. Mall in supermarket?

WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

 15

References
1. [Link]
2. [Link]

Other References
1. Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Building, 11th eDition.
Walter T. Grondzik, Alison G. Kwok, Benjamine Stein, John S. Reynolds, John Wiley
2. Mechanical and electrical Systems in Buildings, 5th Edition.
William K.Y. Tao, and Richard R. Janis. Pearson Education/ Prentice Hall.
3. Pertinent Codes (most recent): National Fire Protection Association. International Fire
Code Council. Plumbing Code, International Code Council. Mechanical Code, International
Code Council.

WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

 16

Congratulations for completing this module!

Student’s Information

Name:
Program:
Year and Section:
Contact No.:
E-mail address:
Facebook Account:
Messenger Account:

WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

 17

Vision 2020
WPU: the leading knowledge center for sustainable
development of West Philippines and beyond.

Mission
WPU commits to develop quality human resource and green
technologies for a dynamic economy and sustainable
development through relevant instruction,
research and extension services.

Core Values (3CT)

Culture of Excellence
Commitment
Creativity
Teamwork

WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)